Advanced backhand topspin
Table Tennis Strokes and Technique
Last updated 9 years ago
Mudit Kapoor Asked 9 years ago
Hi Alois,
I am trying to add advanced backhand topspin to my stroke arsenal. However, I struggle against loose/dead balls which are just dropping of the edge of the table. I also sometimes find myself doing the stroke either in slow motion or too much vertical, why?
Also, I want to stop thinking about the results when I am working on something new, but I can't help it. I want good success rate and this I think is also contributing to over analysis of all things.
Please help.
Regards,
Mudit
Alois Rosario Answered 9 years ago
Hi Mudit,
To make the topspin against the ball that is just off the end, you need to get really low with your legs. Wait for the ball to drop off thinned of the table. A vertical stroke is often necessary because the table would get in the way of a more forward stroke.
Regarding improving your technique in a game situation, it can be really difficult. Try to focus on the things that you are trying to improve rather than the result of thematic by scoring for yourself how many times you are completing that skill or doing what you are supposed to be doing. A good way to start this is in a practice match situation and then using the method in matches where you know the result, such as against a much lower level player or much higher level player.
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Dieter Verhofstadt Posted 9 years ago
I'm struggling with the same thing. I believe what we are doing wrong is standing on the back of our feet so that we cannot jump back to make room and also not make a good forward motion during the stroke. Instead we are throwing back our upper body compromising our stroke.
Like Alois points out just practice this with a partner: stand close to the table, stand on the tip of your feet, let them throw a loose ball to the end of the table, make a jump back, stay on the tip of your feet, make the stroke with good forward motion.
Then it will become natural in games. Thanks for reminding me: I need to practice this myself.
eduardo espinosa Posted 9 years ago
Hi. This question is for Jeff. Jeff, I can see a couple of main things in this video: One is the racket speed and the other is your rackets angle at contact is close to 45º. A third one could be at contact you start to close your angle very quickly while you follow through. My question is How would you transpose that technique to a j-pen (one rubber) to mimic the same action to the ball? I know neither one of you is an expert penholder but I still respect your expertise better than my own. Please consider I don't have anyone else to ask this question.
eduardo espinosa Posted 9 years ago
By the way, you guys are getting really good doing these videos. They are very useful.
Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 9 years ago
Hi Eduardo,
I think that is one limitation of the j-pen backhand as it's really difficult to come over the top of the ball and generate a lot of topspin. I guess that is what lead to the reverse penhold backhand being played and using 2 rubbers.
eduardo espinosa Posted 9 years ago
Hi, Jeff. Thank you for your answer. It's kind of obvious. What about plan B? No b/h topspin and only blocking besides turning around and hit forehands? No more options?
Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 9 years ago
Hi Eduardo,
I've seen penholders turning side on and then using their forearm to make a backhand smash. It can be quite effective but I'd dare say it takes a lot of practice. Yoo Nam Kyu from Korea was great at this shot. Look at the rally at 0:46 seconds from this video to see what I'm talking about.